It’s a common problem in rooms where there can be a lot of moisture present that we can, unfortunately, encounter a fair bit of mould growth. A solution to combating condensation is the application of good anti-condensation paint to prevent moisture.
Condensation is not only a visible problem but can cause undiscovered issues in wet rooms such as a bathroom, shower room and kitchen. If mould and mildew are allowed to spread on surfaces and walls untended, this can lead to an increase in respiratory problems, health issues and allergies for those living in the home.
The lack of airflow and tight spaces in small rooms with the addition of moisture is a major cause of mould and mildew growth. Unfortunately, you might find that traditional gloss and emulsion paint won’t hold up against the growth of mould.
Condensation can result in unappealing stains and streaks that ruin your hard work and the aesthetics of a room, as well as the increased risk of health conditions that could result.
That’s why choosing a high-quality anti-condensation paint for walls and surfaces is essential in stopping the growth of mould and mildew within bathrooms, shower rooms and kitchens.
Ronseal Anti Mould Paint White Matt 750ml
A 6 year guaranteed anti-mould paint from Ronseal that offers great protection in moisture-prone areas.
Ronseal Anti Condensation Paint White Matt 750ml
Anti-condensation paint from Ronseal that dries fast and reduces condensation buildup. A good choice for walls and ceilings.
Dryzone Anti Condensation Paint Matt White 1Litre
Deploying microsphere technology to protect from mould and a 3-in-1 action that allows the paint to breathe.
The UK's 5 Best Anti-Condensation Paints Reviewed
The use of anti-condensation paint has been gaining popularity in recent years, as the technology of painting manufacturers improves and paint brands innovate and develop new techniques to provide better condensation protection. The benefits of using an anti-condensation paint are now realised much more today than several years ago.
Anti-Condensation paint has now become a suitable means of protecting surface walls, allowing the surface to absorb the moisture and breathe correctly avoiding any build-up of mould or mildew. While you may see the most benefit in areas and rooms which are prone to moisture such as bathrooms, kitchens and shower rooms.
This type of paint is not strictly limited to these areas of the home and can be applied to any room where there is a buildup of condensation – garages, sheds and entry areas can often see an increased level of condensation occurring.
Typically an area where a cold wall can meet a warm room where there is moisture in the air is the best place to utilise anti-condensation paint for the best results.
While choosing the best anti-condensation paint can seem like a difficult task, our DIY Bosss are on hand to offer you advice on the best suitable paint for moisture-prone areas. After selecting an original 12 anti-condensation paints to have a detailed look at we then narrowed it down to 5 which we feel have the best-proven results.
What To Look For In An Anti-Condensation?
When selecting a paint that’s suitable for preventing the growth of mould and mildew while keeping your walls streak and stain free it’s best to look for paint that can offer specialised protection for years, one that is tough and scrubbable in condensation prone areas as well as being suitable for bathrooms, kitchens and shower rooms.
The perfect anti-condensation paint should be breathable and absorb moisture steadily while releasing it slowly. Anti-condensation paint doesn’t actually prevent condensation in a room but helps combat the effects that condensation can cause, such as mould and mildew growth which we all want to avoid.
Ronseal AMPWM750 Anti Mould Paint White Matt 750ml Review
This white matt anti-mould paint from Ronseal has been specially created to give a great long-lasting finish to a different range of surfaces.
The Ronseal anti-mould paint is ideal for protecting walls and ceilings and offers protection from mould growth for up to 6 years. It gives a tough scrubbable finish that’s easily wiped cleaned and resists moisture and steam making it a good choice for bathrooms and shower rooms that are in need of protection.
The paint is dry to touch in 1-2 hours in a warm room and can be re-applied in just 4 hours for a second coat. Expect a paint coverage of 13m2 per Litre from the Ronseal anti-mould paint.
Apply easily with a brush for the best results but be aware that while it’s been reported that people have has success using the Ronseal anti-mould paint as a base emulsion to paint over.
On the tin itself it reports that it should not be used as an undercoat and if any other paint is applied over it will limit its effectiveness to prevent mould and condensation from forming.
So while we do not recommend painting over the Ronseal anti-mould paint if you are just looking for a white matt paint to cover ceilings and walls then this one could be a great solution for preventing the growth of mould and mildew.
For the best results make sure the room is above 10 Degree Celcius and prepare the walls correctly by using a mould killer to get rid of any existing mould and smooth the existing surface with sandpaper.
Take care not to sand off any mould as this can spread the particles around the room. Only smooth the wall or ceiling after cleaning the surface with mould killer and allowing to dry first.
You will need at least 2 coats for the best finish although you may be happy with the results of just one, to ensure protection from mould definitely complete a second coat of the Ronseal anti-mould paint.
Wait 4 hours before applying a second coat and wait 24 hours before allowing any condensation to occur in the room.
Available in 750ml and 2.5L sizes you can use this paint for both small projects or large home projects for great mould protection.
- Great paint coverage that allows up to 13m2 per Litre.
- Easy to apply with brush or roller.
- 6 years guaranteed mould protection.
- Smooth matt finish for walls and ceilings.
- Touch dry in 1-2 hours.
- Re-application of paint in 4 hours for the second coat.
- Cannot paint over Ronseal anti-mould paint with additional paint so limited to a white matt finish.
- Will need at least 2 coats especially if covering bold colours.
Ronseal ACPWM750 Anti Condensation Paint White Matt 750ml Review
Ronseal have done it twice with the anti-condensation paint available in white matt. The paint addresses the problem of condensation forming and lying on surfaces by providing a moisture resistant protective finish that is touch dry within 1-2 hours.
Available to re-coat and re-apply multiple coats after 4 hours of drying it provides a great matt finish that puts a stop to the formation of mould and mildew.
Easy application with a brush or roller we found this paint to be thicker than the anti-mould paint so expect a lower paint coverage per m2. So with that said you should expect a paint coverage of around 6m2 per Litre with the Ronseal anti-condensation paint. It’s about half the coverage of the previous product from the same brand.
Be sure not to apply too thinly and for the best results you will need atleast 2 coats. For wall and ceiling preperation make sure you remove any mould first with a strong mould killer and once dry sand down any imperfections on the surface before applying this paint.
This paint from Ronseal offers similar protection from the same branded anti-mould paint but with one major difference. The Ronseal white matt paint can be used as a base or under coat so you can add a different paint over the top.
The added benefit of being able to use this anti-condensation paint as a base means that you are free to experiment with different colours while also getting great protection from mould and mildew.
When using this paint we did notice the lack of guaranteed 6 year mould protection but we realise this is down to the fact you can paint over it. It gives you an option which we like.
- Touch dry within 1-2 hours.
- Re-application within 4 hours.
- Option to paint over anti-condensation paint while keeping protection in place.
- Protect walls and ceilings from mould and mildew.
- Will need to apply 2 coats at a minimum.
- Paint coverage of 6m2 per Litre.
Dryzone Anti Condensation Paint White Matt 1L Review
Produced by Safeguard Europe Ltd, a prominent developer and manufacturer of anti-damp paint materials, the Dryzone anti-condensation paint reduces mould and condensation problems throughout the home.
It can be applied with a brush or roller to walls and ceilings to provide 3-in-1 action protection against the formation of mould and condensation on surfaces.
Using glass microsphere technology, the Dryzone paint contains small glass bubbles is said to create stable voids within the paint that encourages the breathability of a surface when applied. Lowering thermal conductivity it offers a massive boost of protection compared to standard traditional emulsion paint.
The 3-in-1 action against condensation contains moisture buffering that discourages moisture from forming on the paint surface. A preservative surface effect reduces and eliminates the growth of mould and mildew and the thermal effect created protection causes the surface to be warmer to the touch.
With the Dryzone anti-condensation paint you should expect to apply multiple coats for the best protection. We advise at least 2 coats and expect a paint coverage of around 8m2 per litre.
The low odour of the paint makes it an easy experience to apply and while the paint is of a thick consistency, applying with a brush is no trouble at all. You may find that applying with a roller can be slightly more difficult because of the consistency of the paint.
The Dryzone anti-condensation paint is available in 1L and 2.5L tins so you can save money if you are needing to cover a large area. No need to buy multiple small tins.
With most painting, preparation is key. Ensure that the area you are painting is cleaned sufficiently with mould killer if there is mould present on the surface you wish to paint. Sand down the surface before applying the Dryzone for the best finish.
The Dryzone is a great choice for an anti-condensation paint that you can paint over. Allow 2-3 hours for touch to dry and re-application can be achieved after 4-5 hours for adding extra coats.
- Touch-drying time of 2-3 hours.
- Re-paintable after just 4-5 hours.
- Thich paint consistency with a paint coverage of 8m2 per Litre.
- Easy to apply.
- Great mould protection.
- Can be used as a base coat to apply coloured paint on top.
- 3-in-1 action protection with microsphere glass technology.
- More costly than other paints per Litre.
- Apply 2 coats minimum for best results.
Coo-var Anti-Condensation Paint 1L Review
The Coo-var anti-condensation is a water-based white paint that specialises in combating mould growth that’s perfect for a range of different interior surfaces.
Suitable for walls, wood, brick and metal (with additional primers.) The Coo-var anti-condensation paint is a multi-purpose paint that can solve condensation and mould problems.
It has a thick, almost cottage cheese-like consistency so while an application with a brush is easy, take your time when applying with a roller for the best finish.
You can expect the paint to be touch dry within 2 hours and suitable for re-application after 4 hours. While the paint says that has an 8-10m2 per litre coverage we experienced slightly less at about 7m2 per litre. However, the thick consistency of the paint does provide excellent coverage for surface walls.
The Coo-var is available in 500ml, 1L and 2.5L tins and provides a smooth matt finish. Mix well before applying the paint and ensure that the room is above 10 Degrees Celsius before starting the process.
With all condensation paints, if you are painting on a surface that already has black mould or mould residue, clean with a mould killer spray and allow to dry. Once the surface is dry sand off any imperfections and finally apply the paint.
We liked the thickness and coverage of this paint, it goes on thick and provides a great base coat where additional emulsion can be painted ontop for a different look.
- Water-based so easy to wash off paintbrushes.
- Available in 500ml, 1L and 2.5L tins.
- Thick paint consistency
- Can be used as an undercoat for emulsion/silk paint.
- Multi-purpose so can be used on walls, ceilings, brick, metal and wood.
- Touch dry in 2 hours.
- Suitable for re-application in 4 hours.
- You will need at least 2 coats for full coverage.
- 7m2 coverage per litre.
Rempro Thermal Anti Condensation Paint 1L Review
The Rempro Thermal Anti-condensation paint is designed to hold heat which combats the development of mould and condensation on the surface of the paint.
Featuring glass microsphere technology within the Rempro it offers over 57% better protection than traditional emulsion paints against the effects of condensation build-up.
A multi-purpose paint that can be applied to walls, ceilings, metal, brick, plaster and other, cold to touch surfaces for well-rounded protection.
The Rempro Thermal anti-condensation paint is available in sizes, 1L, 2.5L, 5L and 10L tin options so you can find a size suited for your home project.
The Rempro benefits from the fact that it can be used as an under-coat and can be overpainted with additional paint for a different aesthetic look that you may find more appealing than the standard white colours available in most types of condensation paints.
The thick consistency of the paint means that it’s not easily applied with a brush or roller but can be achieved if you take your time. Expect a drying time of 4 hours and re-application after around 6 hours. Be aware, you will need to apply a second coat for the best results as with most condensation paints it’s no different.
Ensure you have correctly prepared the surface or area before applying the Rempro anti-condensation paint for the best results. If mould is present on the surface prior to painting, remove it with a strong mould killer spray and when dry, sand down any imperfections before painting.
We like the large sizes available of the Rempro paint and the microsphere technology allows the paint to breathe and provide good condensation and mould protection.
- Thick consistency with this paint means no transparency.
- Available in different sizes up to 10Litre tins.
- Multi-purpose so can be applied to brick, plaster, metal, walls, ceilings for well-rounded protection.
- 8m2 per litre coverage.
- While the thick consistency means it may be difficult to apply with a brush or roller it provides good coverage.
- Can be pricey when going up sizes.
Final Thoughts
There are a number of great anti-condensation paints available on the market today in the UK and it only demonstrates how much of a problem condensation and mould growth is around the home. We reviewed a number of paints and came to the conclusion that depending on your purpose for the paint there are different choices.
For walls and ceilings the Ronseal is a great choice, just remember that you cannot paint over the anti-mould Ronseal but you can with the Ronseal anti-condensation. For additional surfaces such as brick, metal and wood then choose an anti-condensation paint that is suitable for these surfaces.
Best Ways To Prevent Moisture Buildup
Moisture build-up in homes is a common problem for many homeowners in the UK and it’s important to identify the causes before beginning the painting process.
Anti-condensation paint will not eradicate the condensation from happening in the room, it simply combats the effects on condensation that occurs and inhibits the growth of mould and mildew on surfaces where the paint is applied.
To eliminate condensation from occurring you need to identify the cause of such problems and ensure that you have done everything possible to eradicate the issue.
The common causes of moisture build-up and condensation occurring are a lack of ventilation in a moisture-prone area, this can often happen in wet rooms such as bathrooms, toilets, shower rooms and kitchens but is not limited to these areas. It can also occur in entryways and sheds where there is a reduction of heating and a build-up of moisture.
Check the insulation of exterior walls to ensure they are adequately providing the correct protection and inspect any wall damage or pipes that could cause unwanted water to infiltrate the home.
If you notice any damage or burst/leaking pipes it’s advisable to contact a specialist to inspect your home where you think there might be water entering the home.
Avoid leaving wet items around these areas such as a laundry basket or wet towels as they can release moisture into the air which can then go on to form condensation which would encourage the development of mould.
Provide heat to the rooms where condensation is occurring the dry out the areas and surfaces that can be prone to mould growth.
Once the area has been inspected and you believe that there is no damage to walls or pipes then you can correctly prepare the area for the application of anti-condensation paint. If mould is present already then treat and clean it with a mould killer spray and let dry. Once dry sand down any imperfections and ready the surface for you to apply the paint.
